Nottingham-led consortium wins GBP 1.4m to develop mycelium packaging

The University of Nottingham has secured GBP 1.4m (USD 1.9m) in UK research funding to lead a two-year project developing mycelium composites as an alternative to expanded polystyrene in protective and transit packaging. The consortium, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, includes Swansea University, the University of Bath and manufacturer Magical Mushroom Company, which will run commercial trials at its Beeston, Nottinghamshire plant.

Why this mattersA scalable mycelium composite would give protective and transit packaging a bio-based alternative to expanded polystyrene, subject to commercial trials.

• Funding of GBP 1.4m (USD 1.9m) awarded via EPSRC Materials Innovation Partnerships programme
• Project runs two years and targets expanded polystyrene replacement in transit packaging
• Consortium includes University of Nottingham, Swansea University, University of Bath and Magical Mushroom Company
• Commercial trials to take place at Magical Mushroom Company's Beeston, Nottinghamshire manufacturing site
• Work includes fluorine-free barrier coatings and mechanical testing for shock absorption and moisture resistance
• Magical Mushroom Company already supplies Mushroom Packaging to commercial clients including Raymarine

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